#Couture #JWLV - Preview of Couture 2014

First I want to say a HUGE Thank You to Michelle Orman, Last Word Communications, for these insightful previews of what is NEW at Couture this year!

Moritz Glik

This year, Moritz Glik introduces his Kaleidoscope collection featuring rose cut diamonds, brilliant cut diamonds and 18 karat gold with blackened sterling silver. Ever since arriving in the U.S. from his native Brazil in 1991, Moritz has continued to push the boundaries of conventional fine jewelry. His ability to blend hand-crafted, old-world techniques with a modern sensibility has resulted in pieces that intrigue and enchant with a rich mosaic of color, proportion and movement. 

Salon 1005

Stephen Webster

Featured above is a collar necklace fromStephen Webster's Magnipheasant collection, which will be introduced at Couture. Amethyst, pink tourmaline, red garnet, blue topaz, peridot and citrine are surrounded by a border of black pave diamonds, emulating the pheasant's distinctive feathers. Earrings, bracelets and cocktail rings round out this unique collection. Stephen Webster's eponymous brand was built on the designer's foundation of technical excellence and today it is celebrated for the highest level of craftsmanship and its eternally chic and glamorous aesthetic.  

Mouton I

Irene Neuwirth

At Couture, Irene Neuwirth will be introducing this new 18 karat gold cuff bracelet with rose cut diamonds. Simple, clean lines lend this piece a sense of fluidity while maintaining a bold statement. Long known for her fascination with intense colors and raw, natural gemstones, at first glance this cuff appears to be a break from Irene's core brand aesthetic, and yet the raw beauty of the rose cut diamonds, along with the designer's distinctive sense of style and unique insight into what's trending in fashion combine in a way that is unmistakably Irene.

Salon 901 

Hans D. Krieger

Opals and 18 karat rose gold combine in this cuff bracelet by Hans D. Krieger to create a piece completely in keeping with the brand's reputation for high-quality materials and the finest craftsmanship. Since as early as 1720, the company became famous for their stone cutting and goldsmith work, and it was in 1964 that the design portion of the business was launched in order to showcase their fine gemstones and diamonds. The passion of the company's founders continues today with a commitment to classic yet modern beauty that is timeless in its beauty.

Salon 410

Sylvie Corbelin

At Couture this year, Parisian designer Sylvie Corbelin introduces the limited edition Geisha earrings from the Fuji Yama collection. To Sylvie, Geishas will always be a symbol of grace, beauty and femininity. Made of gold and silver, and accented with diamonds, turquoise and rubies, the highlight of these earrings is a very rare XIX Century enamel element. As with all pieces in her collection, Sylvie mingles an assertive warrior instinct with a sense of fragility, her definition of seduction.

Salon 1209

FOREVERMARK INTRODUCES THE PROMISE COLLECTION

FOREVERMARK INTRODUCES THE PROMISE COLLECTION

Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers Group of companies, is proud to unveil The Forevermark Promise Exhibition – a collection of pledges and exceptional diamond pieces from some of today’s most prodigious design talent.

Each Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a promise that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced.  Inspired by the belief that all promises should be as unbreakable as theirs, Forevermark invited select partners from around the world to create diamond jewelry that reflects and is inspired by the word: Promise. Including meticulously crafted creations from both global, and national talents, together, these pieces comprise the Forevermark Promise Exhibition.

Comprising pieces from the U.K., the U.S., China, Hong Kong and India, the exhibition is diverse in design styles, comprising delicate, romantic notions through to more challenging and progressive concepts. The theme of Promise, however, is resonant throughout, inspiring any visitor to re-examine the importance of promises in their lives.

The designers include Reena Ahluwalia, Shaun Leane, Rachel Roy, Stephen Webster, Biren Vaidya (The Rose International) and Tang Wei.

India-born, Canadian designer Ahluwalia designed a piece (pictured) for Forevermark jeweler Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers inspired by eternal love and pledged to support, advocate and work with responsibly sourced diamonds.

“As a designer, I find myself in a great position to make a difference through my designs this is why it is an honor to be a part of the Forevermark Promise collection,'' said Ahluwalia. ''The 'Eternal' necklace designed for Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, my contribution to the Forevermark promise collection is inspired by the promise of eternal love. The piece captures the nature of eternity and a lover’s promise. Just like Forevermark diamonds, the design of this piece celebrates the promise of love that stays forever.”

The U.S.-based fashion designer Roy promised to never stop striving to make the world a better place for her children and for women and children who do not have a voice to speak for themselves. 

India-based jeweler and designer from The Rose International,  Vaidya promised to care, love and forever be there for family and friends.

U.K.-based  Leane promised to live to love, to share and appreciate the present. 

London-based jeweler Webster made a very personal promise to always keep exciting people through the creativity and progressive nature of his jewelry design.

Chinese actress Wei made her first foray into jewelry design through the exhibition (see entry at top of article)  and promised to take up new challenges, broaden her vision and experience, as well as to bring a sense of hope and warmth to those in need.

The full collection of exhibition pieces and promises can be seen on the Collection website www.apromiseshared.com where Forevermark invites everyone to join thousands of others by making and sharing a promise.

About Forevermark 
Forevermark is a separately managed division within the De Beers Group of companies.  The division’s main mission is to build and develop the Forevermark diamond brand.  

Forevermark also holds responsibility within the De Beers group of companies for driving diamond demand in key markets and maintaining consumer confidence in diamonds. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to the highest standards; are beautifully crafted by a select group of diamantaires; and are exclusively available in select jewellers. 

Stephen Webster Presents ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ in Beverly Hills!

Stephen Webster is delighted to present the latest in a series of exhibitions to be hosted in the brand’s US flagship store on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. The store’s ‘No Regrets’ lounge with play host to Elizabeth Taylor, a collection of photographs of the legendary star by British photographer Richard Young.

The exhibition opened on Wednesday, February 22nd comprising 18 iconic images in both color and black & white, paying homage to one of the world’s most glamorous stars. For the duration of the 5 week exhibition, 5% of all of the proceeds generated will be donated by Stephen Webster and Richard Young to Elizabeth Taylor’s charity amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research.

Stephen Webster’s early career saw him move to Santa Barbara in the 1980’s where his bold and iconic designs were quickly spotted by the jewelry-lover herself, Elizabeth Taylor. She commissioned the young designer to create a rose gold ring engraved with flowers and set with a lavender chalcedony stone together with a bracelet to match her famous violet eyes. Since then, Webster has gone on to design one-of-a-kind pieces for the likes of Madonna, Sharon Stone, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Jay Z and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.

Britain’s foremost celebrity photographer, Richard Young, will exhibit his most prized images of the late Elizabeth Taylor in a limited edition collection spanning almost 40 years of her life.

Richard & Susan Young with
Stephen Webster at Opening Reception

“He became friends with the people he photographed because he was such a warm person,” Webster comments. “Richard met everyone and became their friend, catching them in the perfect moment with his camera.”

Celebrity stylist Nikki Pennie, a native Brit who has contributed to the style of Kate Middleton, will be creating a window installation as a tribute to her most influential role model. The installation, titled ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ will incorporate Richard’s work along with a stunning selection of Stephen Webster jewelry.

The exhibition launched with a well attended,  private cocktail reception by invitation only!  at the Stephen Webster Gallery at 202 N. Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills; 310.246.9500

About Elizabeth Taylor
Born in London, Liz was a leading child star by the age of 12 after her performance in MGM’s National Velvet (1944). It wasn’t long before she was knocking critics dead as a serious adult actress with films like Giant (1956), Raintree County (1957) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958). She reined the box office as the quintessential movie star taking the breath away from viewers with her glamorous looks and those velvet eyes, winning a countless amount of Academy Awards. Her personal life has been a tempest of love affairs, unsuccessful marriages and multiple medical problems. Upon the death of her friend, Rock Hudson in 1985, she began her crusade on the behalf of AIDS sufferers. Following her passing in March 2011, Taylor leaves behind a legacy of fame and fortune.

About Richard Young
Richard Young has an exceptional eye and unique approach as both a portraitist and photo journalist. His unerring ability to capture the moment and present a candid, inside view into the world of celebrity has resulted in iconic images that are celebrated in publications throughout the world. Richard has published three books, By Invitation Only, ¡Paparazzo!, and Shooting Stars. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and he has had several retrospectives. In recognition of his life and achievements, Richard will be the subject of a four-part Sky Arts documentary, directed by Don Letts and featuring contributions from notable celebrities including Sir Elton John, Kate Moss and Tracey Emin. Scheduled to air in Spring 2012, it will be an intimate portrayal of this remarkable man.

About Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is one of the most prominent jewellery designers of his generation. Unmistakeable creativity, expert craftsmanship and unique vision are at the core of the brand’s dynamic collections that inspire story-telling glamour. Founded upon traditional British jewellery making, Stephen Webster has transcended into the global luxury jewellery brand of tomorrow. Coveted by icons and idols and respected by industry peers, Stephen Webster is celebrated for exquisitely crafted fine jewellery with an eternally chic aesthetic.